Senior Computational Designer

CDM Smith; Fargo (ND); Remote; USD 89,000 - 148,000; Full time

Job summary

An engineering consulting firm is seeking a Senior Computational Designer to drive digital transformation in design automation and computational design. The ideal candidate will have a bachelor’s degree and at least 6 years of experience, with proficiency in Python and C#. Responsibilities include developing automation scripts, creating algorithms, and maintaining documentation for design processes. This role offers flexible working conditions and a competitive salary range of $89,336 to $147,389.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• 6 years of related experience required.
• 4+ years of experience with computational design preferred.

Responsibilities

• Designs and deploys automation scripts.
• Creates algorithms for project-specific challenges.
• Conducts research on computational design methods.
• Maintains documentation for design automation tools.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Attention to detail

Problem-solving skills

Proficient in Python

Proficient in C#

Familiarity with DevOps practices

Education

Bachelor's degree

Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Engineering, Computer Science, or related field

Tools

Dynamo

Grasshopper

Autodesk Platform Services (APS)

Job description

Overview

42370BR

Requisition ID:

42370BR

Business Unit:

COR

CDM Smith is seeking a Senior Computational Designer to join our Digital Engineering Solutions team. This individual will be a key leader within the Design Technology group, driving the firm’s digital transformation in design automation, computational design strategies, and BIM technologies by providing strategic guidance, technological vision, and solution development. This individual develops and implements computational design workflows to enhance engineering and architectural processes. Utilizes scripting and automation to optimize design efficiency and data-driven decision-making. Integrates emerging technologies and refines digital workflows to address complex design challenges. Establishes computational design standards, ensures seamless interoperability between design software, and provides technical guidance to junior designers. Monitors advancements in computational design, collaborates with cross-functional teams to improve design methodologies, and contributes to the continuous evolution of the organization’s digital capabilities. Work is performed independently with minimal supervision.

Responsibilities

• Designs and deploys advanced automation scripts and custom node workflows across platforms to optimize production efficiency and reduce human error. Ensures consistency and performance across deployed tools and collaborates with teams to integrate automation into core design workflows. Identifies automation opportunities within design processes and contributes to prototyping efforts.
• Creates custom algorithms to solve project-specific challenges, enhancing design precision, performance, and automation. Collaborates with project teams to translate conceptual ideas into parametric logic. Works closely with the lead and manager to align algorithmic solutions with project goals, integrating scripts into broader workflows and supporting documentation, QA/QC, and scalability.
• Explores new tools, plugins, and workflows by conducting focused research on emerging computational design methods. Independently investigates innovative design technologies, including scripting frameworks, visual programming tools, and machine learning applications relevant to design automation.
• Creates and maintains comprehensive documentation for design automation tools, standards, best practices, and workflows across the business. Ensures that all processes are clearly outlined and kept up to date, enabling teams to consistently follow best practices. Collaborates with stakeholders to gather insights and document improvements in automation technology, ensuring alignment with business goals and operational efficiency.
• Presents computational design concepts and custom tools to internal audiences. Promotes custom solutions to internal designers to encourage utilizing the solutions.
• Provides mentorship and technical guidance to intermediate computational designers on advanced digital workflows, tools, and problem-solving strategies.
• Performs other duties as required.

Job Details

• Job Title: Senior Computational Designer
• Group: COR
• Employment Type: Regular

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree.
• 6 years of related experience.
• Equivalent additional directly related experience will be considered in lieu of a college degree.
• Domestic and/or international travel may be required. The frequency of travel is contingent on specific duties, responsibilities, and the essential functions of the position, which may vary depending on workload and project demands.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Engineering, Computer Science, or related field preferred.
• 4+ years of experience with computational design in the AEC/Engineering Industry highly preferred.

EEO Statement

We attract the best people in the industry, supporting their efforts to learn and grow. We strive to create a challenging and progressive work environment. We provide career opportunities that span a variety of disciplines and geographic locations, with projects that our employees plan, design, build and operate as diverse as the needs of our clients. CDM Smith is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, pregnancy related conditions, childbirth and related medical conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression), national origin, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, citizenship status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Why CDM Smith

Check out this video and find out why our team loves to work here! (https://www.cdmsmith.com/en/Video/Meet-CDM-Smith)

Join Us

CDM Smith – where amazing career journeys unfold. Imagine a place committed to offering an unmatched employee experience. Where you work on projects that are meaningful to you. Where you play an active part in shaping your career journey. Where your co-workers are invested in you and your success. Where you are encouraged and supported to do your very best and given the tools and resources to do so. Where it’s a priority that the company takes good care of you and your family. Our employees are the heart of our company. As an employer of choice, our goal is to provide a challenging, progressive and inclusive work environment which fosters personal leadership, career growth and development for every employee. We value passionate individuals who challenge the norm, deliver world-class solutions and bring diverse perspectives. Join our team, and together we will make a difference and change the world.

Job Site Location

United States - Nationwide

Agency Disclaimer

All vendors must have a signed CDM Smith Placement Agreement from the CDM Smith Recruitment Center Manager to receive payment for your placement. Verbal or written commitments from any other member of the CDM Smith staff will not be considered binding terms. All unsolicited resumes sent to CDM Smith and any resume submitted to any employee outside of CDM Smith Recruiting Center Team (RCT) will be considered property of CDM Smith. CDM Smith will not be held liable to pay a placement fee.

Travel & Other Details

• Amount of Travel Required: 0%
• Assignment Category: Fulltime-Regular
• Visa Sponsorship Available: No - We will not support sponsorship, i.e. H-1B or TN Visas for this position

Skills and Abilities

• Excellent communication skills and ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Applies advanced critical thinking and problem-solving skills to evaluate and resolve complex design automation and data workflow challenges.
• Solid knowledge of business metrics and the ability to align company goals and objectives with computational design strategies and initiatives.
• Solid understanding of data governance principles, digital design integrity and data management protocols.
• Ability to work across all levels in a highly dynamic environment.
• Proactive approach to innovation by identifying and applying emerging technologies to improve design efficiency and quality.
• Proficient in Python and C#, with experience creating custom tools and integrating with Autodesk Platform Services (APS) and other APIs is an asset.
• Proficiency in DevOps practices, GitHub, Azure, and/or other development infrastructure; knowledge of project management and agile development processes are assets.
• Expert in AEC design automation/computational design.
• Extensive experience with visual scripting tools like Dynamo, Grasshopper, and Generative Component.

Background Check

CDM Smith reserves the right to require background checks and drug testing as applicable for certain positions. Details provided in the original description are retained here as part of standard policy disclosures.

Compensation & Location

• Pay Range Minimum: $89,336
• Pay Range Maximum: $147,389
• Additional Compensation: All bonuses at CDM Smith are discretionary and may or may not apply to this position.
• Work Location Options: Fully Remote or Hybrid
• Additional Pay Range Information: The pay range is a good faith estimate; varies by location and other factors.

Massachusetts Applicants

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.